It started when they met in 1943, just before they graduated from high school. After dating for less than three months, Gerald was called to serve in the Marines during World War II, Arla waited at home here, writing a letter every day for 2 1/2 years. Finally the war ended and after months on a ship to get home they were united again.

They married on May 11, 1946, starting their journey together, with almost all of those years spent in Iron Mountain.

For more than 20 years they wintered in Bradenton, Fla. and summered at Keyes Lake in Florence, Wis.

Today they reside on their own, with very little help, in White Birch Village.

May 11, 1946

Gerald still drives and on occasion plays the accordion for Arla, which he has played for 83 years.

Arla and Gerald had two daughters, Jill and Lynn, who have passed and one son, Randy, and his wife, Keri Hyland of Kingsford, along with six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

They are a fantastic couple that the entire family wishes a very happy anniversary.